About SAMSSA

SAMSSA is a program of the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre. The program is funded by the ACT Government through the Department of Disability Housing & Community Services under the Community Services Program.The Service Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault (SAMSSA) offers:

Counselling support, face-to-face or over the telephone for male survivors

Both male and female counsellors are available

Information about male sexual assault for survivors, their partners, family, friends and supporters

Referral to or information about other useful services

Education for community, school and professional groups about male sexual assault and related issues

Groups for male survivors who are looking to expand their support to include other survivors (when available)

Who can use SAMSSA?

Men over the age of 16 in the ACT and surrounding region recovering from sexual assault or childhood sexual assault

Men of any race, ethnicity, culture, religious belief, sexual orientation, ability or disability

Family, partners and supporters of male survivors who need support for themselves

Organisations, institutions and other professional services wishing to learn more about sexual assault or improve their service delivery to male survivors

Professional, community workers and others working with male survivors who who want information or advice about male sexual assault

SAMSSA DOES NOT PROVIDE SERVICES TO MEN WHO USE SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST OTHER MEN, WOMEN OR CHILDREN

SAMSSA DOES NOT PROVIDE PERPETRATOR COUNSELLING SERVICES OR PROGRAMMES

SAMSSA has worked with hundreds of courageous men, and their families and supporters, and they have taught us a great deal.

It can be very hard for a man to ask for help because of cultural expectations about manhood, fear of ridicule and shame. We encourage male survivors of child sexual assault, and adult men who have been raped or assaulted, to seek support and counselling services. This will assist in lowering the potential risk of long term impacts of sexual assault trauma - including the impacts of living in isolation.